In spite of years of aid and development work by the churches, the ecumenical family has become less certain about how best to tackle world poverty. This study sets out to clarify policies, asking questions about the nature and causes of poverty and wealth. The conclusions emphasise that 'wealth' is as much of an issue as 'poverty'.

In spite of 60 years of aid and development work by the churches, the ecumenical family has become less certain about how best to tackle world poverty. The study described in this book sets out to clarify policies for the future. It asked questions about the nature and causes of poverty and wealth, their relation to the work and teachings of the churches, and what responses the churches should now be making. Poor and rich communities, government officials, academics, non-governmental organisations, church leaders and the private sector in over 24 countries were involved. The study's conclusions emphasise that 'wealth' is as much of an issue as 'poverty', suggesting the need for much clearer Christian teaching on justice and the economic order. They support moves towards a global alliance of local and national churches as a more effective instrument for achieving structural change. They ask for a reassessment of the strategic nature of development projects and programmes. And they assert that local congregations should be taken far more seriously and inspired and equipped to help bring about God's justice.